DANCE AS A PERFORMING ART

By Alexandra King

It is the nature of the beast that when things evolve, they usually become more and more complex. Computers are more complex, hair colors are more complicated, the number of laws we now have has increased and so have many dance styles: dance styles such as flamenco, belly dance, ballroom and tango all began as simple, fairly easy styles, but have morphed into complex, technically and physically challenging styles that are difficult to learn and execute. So, this comes down to one basic fact – there are two kinds of dance.

The first is Performing Art Dance (PAD) and the second is Recreational Dance, (RD). Throughout history, any style of dance executed as a form of art or entertainment for the general public to enjoy has been dubbed a Performance Art, and any type done for personal pleasure was/is a recreational style, done strictly for personal pleasure.

What's the Difference?

Performing art dance is a spectator sport executed for the pleasure and enjoyment of an audience. Recreational dance is a hobby sport for personal pleasure- not for an audience. A recreational style is not done for the pleasure of an audience, but a performance art style is done for an audience. It is a relationship art. Once you put yourself on a stage to gain the attention and admiration of an audience you have established a relationship with the audience and have an implicate agreement with them and an obligation to them, to achieve the highest level of excellence in the art. Especially if you aspire to be a professional. Whether a pro or an amateur, Here is what you are committing to:

1. Having an Instrument that is well-tuned. The medium of dance is the body so, a dancer must keep her instrument in shape- both to be able to execute the dance well as well as to have a body that is pleasing to look at (dance is a visual art). Staying fit involves eating a healthy diet in moderate proportions and working out regularly. Dancing is a sport and so the body must be strong, flexible and coordinated.

2. Technical Skill. Having technical skill involves regular training and practice, including classes and private coaching from a professional instructor.

3. Be able to understand and interpret music. To learn and come to understand music theory and composition, so you can interpret it, (the melody and rhythms) accurately and with feeling. A good dance school/teacher teaches this, including knowing the musical instruments and the use of finger cymbals as a belly dancer.

4. To Have Theater Arts Knowledge and Ability. To develop stage presence, projection and a dynamic personality on stage.

For a belly dancer here is a general outline of what to expect when training to become a performance dancer, (whether amateur or professional):

I. Beginning Belly Dance: 1-3 years. This depends on the age of the student, the skill of the instructor and their curriculum and the amount of work the dancer puts into learning, (practice). At the end of 3 years of regular training, practice and performance the foundation skills include:

a. Fitness:  Be in good enough shape to execute basic physically demanding skills such as a short dance.

b. Technique: Have improved posture and placement. Should have fundamental technical ability to execute basic steps and isolations for openings and finales, veil, taksim- standing work and floor work, drum solo. Should know left from right, turn without getting dizzy, know the body positions by heart. Should know how to execute basic turns such as a 3-step turn, a 4-step turn and a Pivot turn. Should be able to execute simple floorwork such as kneeling work and Berber Slides and walks. Simple proper work such as sword, cane and veil.

c. Musical Understanding: Understand basic rhythms (Balady, Bolero, Chiftitelli and Ayoub) and melodies and compositions as well as Play finger cymbals while dancing.

d. Theater Arts Knowledge and Ability: Have a strong personality and that engages audiences and moves them. Should be able to smile and show emotion. Be able to apply stage make-up. Know how to costume for various styles; understand basic stage manners ( how to bow, not to bend over  with the back to the audience, and know not to wear glasses on stage, to name a few things.

II. Intermediate Belly dance – 3-5 years. A dancer should be able to execute a complete simple, cabaret. At the Intermediate level the dancer should:

a. Fitness: Be in excellent shape – strong, flexible and cardio-fit. Accustomed to daily work-outs and regulating diet.

b. Technique: Should have good posture, placement and know the Body Positions by heart. Have an expanded skill level in order to execute a short, easy cabaret set. Know how to improvise at a simple level and discern and respond to the correct rhythmic cues (I.E. Saidi is Egyptian folkloric, Karsilama is Turkish Roman, etc.). Understand how to execute a variety of turns such as a barrel turn, Pivot Turn, spin, halo turn. Should be able to do complex dance with props including Shamidan.

c. Musical Understanding: Should be able to interpret a variety of compositions and play intermediate rhythms while dancing such as Maksoum, Masmoudi, Nawari, Karsilama.

d. Theater Arts Knowledge and Ability: Should be able to smile, and express a variety of emotions as needed according to the music, dance and director’s instructions.

III. Advanced/Professional/Soloist 5+ years.  The dancer will be/have:

a. Fitness: The dancer should be in excellent shape – strong flexible, svelte and coordinated.

b. Technique. The dancer should have excellent posture, placement and the ability to sue all the body positions for Arabic and Persian dance. Should be able to combine complex isolations with steps and choreographies. Should be able to execute advanced drops to the floor and do complex floor work., veil work and prop work.

c. Musical Understanding. Should be able to interpret a variety of compositions and play and dance appropriately to advanced rhythms while dancing such Debke, Shish-Hasht, Saudi/Kaleegy, Fellahin, Saidi, etc. Should have an intimate understanding of flourishes and pauses and how to interpret them.

d. Theater Arts Knowledge and Ability: Should be able to smile, and express a variety of emotions as needed according to the music, dance and director’s instructions. Her presence should be so strong she is felt before she gets on stage.

Many factors play in to the accomplishment of dance as a performing art, most important are age, training (with a top-notch teacher/school)  and tons of practice! The arc of work to become  a top-notch dancer is about 5 years, for those young enough and determined enough to accomplish what is needed. This takes such courage and hard work that  most people give up before they attain the levels above beginning. However,  dancers that do apply themselves and reach the advanced, professional level discover that, like everything worth achieving in life, it is the process that brings the joy and satisfaction. Those moments on stage listening to the applause are fleeting and temporal. In retrospect, the successful dancers are committed to the journey, as much or more than the moments on stage. Never give up – just work harder!